KVH Industries Inc, introduced the ‘Safety on Superyachts’ and ‘Maritime Security Awareness’ training programs by Videotel to address the multitude of regulations facing this growing sector of the maritime industry. Videotel, the leader in maritime e-Learning and KVH, has produced the training programs with a specific focus for superyacht captains, crew, owners, and ancillary personnel.

Superyachts traveling in international waters must comply with aspects of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC-2006), the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW), International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS), and Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). These requirements have prompted experts to refer to this as an era of heightened regulations for superyachts.

Nigel Cleave, CEO of Videotel commented, “Superyachts require fully certified crews for maritime operation and all those serving on board must comply with regulations and be aware of their responsibilities. Our ‘Safety on Superyachts’ series covers essential topics to provide a comprehensive guide to safe operations on these unique and exciting, but often highly complex, vessels. Our ‘Maritime Security Awareness’ program provides a basic understanding of maritime security for seafarers of all ranks to increase their awareness of potential security threats.”

Videotel’s ‘Maritime Security Awareness’ training course covers security issues that superyachts may encounter when alongside a dock or other vessel, at anchor and at sea. Subject matter includes key threats, plans of action, and the importance of communication during a security threat. The course is presented as one overview program, and it enables superyacht crew of all levels to meet the minimum standard of competence in security awareness according to the STCW code updates that went into effect earlier in 2014.

The ‘Safety on Superyachts’ series addresses a wider range of topics important to the operation of superyachts, and is an in-depth presentation, divided into four distinct training programs:

‘Crew Familiarisation and Safety Awareness’ covers the important safety procedures and yacht layout information that new crew must have within 48 hours of arriving on board.